Jesus Luz calls Madonna 'a friend'

NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- Brazilian model Jesus Luz says he and U.S. pop star Madonna, with whom he is frequently photographed, are just friends.

"She is a person whom I admire a lot, a friend who is in my life," People.com quoted the 22-year-old Luz as telling the Brazilian TV show "Fantastico." "More than that, I can't say. She is my friend, just a friend. ... I found her wonderful, a person full of positive energy, a nice person, you don't see faults."

Luz said people shouldn't read too much into reports he and Madonna were seen buying jewelry with Kabbalah symbols.

"I received these pieces of jewelry because they are inspired by Kabbalah," Luz said. "If I want to present them to somebody, it could be my mother or a friend of mine. I don't have any marriage plans or any wedding present."

The model went on to say he avoids listening to what people say about him.

"Because if I let negativity to enter into my life, I can't follow my route, my path," he said.